Simple Pleasures
The busy life that I tend to lead in London can seem a little daunting to those who prefer a more calm lifestyle. However, much that I enjoy living my life like this, I feel
it sometimes is best to take a step back to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures that life has on offer.
Yeah – nothing like some relax to put things in perspective. I have compiled a few simple pleasures that I find I can do in London and/ or anywhere. They are not like the things to do before turning a certain age that I mentioned in a previous entry. They are pure pleasure and they can be done easily at any time.
Anything else that you would add to the list?
- A walk along the Thames from Southbank to Tower Bridge.
I love it. This is one of my favourite things to do in London. Walking past buildings from various centuries, from the most contemporary to the most iconic old constructions in London, is a pleasure and good exercise too! - Sleeping in on a rainy day.
I just love the soothing sound of rain outdoors as I nestle my head a bit deeper into my pillow. There is no place I´d rather be at that moment. - Street markets.
Finding produce that would not have the same quality in the supermarket or not at all is great. Amazing, fresh chesnut mushrooms, artisan chocolate and freshly prepared foods from Britain and other countries, etc. - Receiving a friend´s visit.
Life in London is usually good when a good friend visits you in London.
- A smile from someone you like.
One forgets all worries instantly!
- The smell of freshly baked bread.
This is one of the reasons why I make it myself at times. You just cannot beat that warm smell that makes your kitchen feel so cosy.
- That sudden phone call…
As people come and go in London and in life quite easily, I enjoy it no end when an old friend or, even, an acquaintance phones me up to say that they are back in London.
- Reading in the park on a sunny day.
There is something satisfying in being able to spend sometime outdoors, especially after a few months of miserable weather.
- A beautiful view from the top of a hill.
Climbing up Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath to enjoy such a beautiful view of the city on a sunny day is simply brilliant! Any others you like?
- A proper, sit down meal.
It is so easy to skip meals in London and eat just anything on our way somewhere. Get a few friends, cook something and share a few laughs – beautiful!
I’d add a quiet chat in a small café, a beer with friends in a pub, Hamley’s, and some more that right now I don’t remember 🙂
From your list, I pushed myself to pick only two (I’d pick the ten!): 1 and 8 😀
Hey, mngyver! Welcome to my blog.
What about 10?
10? I’d never enjoy number 10 :p
Wonderful idea for a post, and a great list– I love ’em all! I only had the chance to visit London once back in the mid-80’s. I’d read so much about it, I couldn’t believe I was there. A special memory, for sure.
How about browsing in an old bookshop, especially on a rainy day? And it turns out there’s free coffee and pastries?– might as well add the proper bells and whistles!! : )
Thank you for visiting! Yes, that´s surely one of the faves, as it is browsing in charity book shops like the Oxfam bookshops. It feels comforting in this tech age, being a tech enthusiast myself!
Love this post! I lived in London for a short 2.5 years, and I miss it immensely! Your No.1 is my absolutely favourite thiing to do in London, especially on a spring or autumn day. I would add:
lighting candles, putting on some jazz and making a homecooked meal for a night in on a colr or rainy night (of which there are MANY in London!)
Home-cooked meals and nights in – totally! Thanks for stopping by. Hope you come back soon!